Colorado dentist poisoned wife’s shakes due to affair and financial troubles, prosecutors claim.
A dental professional in Colorado is currently facing trial for the alleged murder of his wife, with prosecutors outlining a narrative involving financial distress and infidelity on the first day of proceedings. James Craig, 47, has been charged with poisoning his wife, Angela Craig, 43, by allegedly incorporating a lethal combination of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline—an active ingredient in many over-the-counter eye drops—into her protein shakes. This reported incident took place over two years ago, culminating in her death on March 18, 2023, at a hospital where she was being treated for previous instances of poisoning.
During the opening statements at the Arapahoe County District Court in Centennial, Colorado, prosecutors articulated that Craig’s motivation for the heinous act stemmed from both financial turmoil and a romantic affair with another woman, identified as a fellow dentist. The couple, reportedly married for 23 years, was facing significant challenges, both economically and personally. Authorities arrested Craig the day following his wife’s death, deeming the act to be premeditated and calculated.
Courtroom accounts stated that, on the day his wife was hospitalized, Craig’s intentions were not to support her recovery but rather to administer a fatal dose of poison. Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley emphasized this point, asserting that Craig’s visit to the hospital was contrived under false pretenses, with the underlying motive being the deliberate intention to terminate his wife’s life.
In contrast, the defense team ascribed a different narrative to the events leading up to Angela Craig’s death. They contended that the marriage had long been marred by infidelity on Craig’s part, which Angela was reportedly aware of. Defense attorney Ashley Whitham claimed that Angela accepted her husband’s transgressions and was even encouraging of maintaining their union despite his affairs. Both individuals were affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, highlighting a complex dynamic that purportedly existed within their marriage.
As the trial unfolds, the prosecution seeks to lay bare the alleged financial and emotional turmoil that led to this tragic case, while the defense argues for a broader understanding of the marital challenges faced by the couple. The complexity of this case continues to unravel, drawing significant public interest as it progresses through the legal system.
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